The GDS special zone Design Attack will be presenting itself once again as a trendy platform for creative, young designers from 10 to 12 September 2010. 100 selected newcomers in Hall 3 will be causing a stir amongst the international trade audience when they present their trendy collections and products for Summer 2011. Featured here will be independent fashion plus urban and streetwear as well as accessories and other trendy lifestyle products. The 13th edition of Design Attack brings the jungle to Düsseldorf. The new theme Rumble in the Jungle is a reference to the World Cup in South Africa and the legendary 1974 heavyweight boxing match between Mohammed Ali and George Foreman known as “Rumble in the Jungle”.

The jungle theme combines harmony with nature and the spirit of adventure and also picks up on the mega trends of ecology and sustainable development. Exhibiting here for the first time are names like Silver Label with the collections Candy Wrapper Bags, Dialog and Sonore de Toot, the Dutch brand Laliek and Kamaeleon from Germany. Back again are Bead, Beachers, Kavat, Machin Machine, meine Matrosin, Pololo, Taschendieb, das Pinke Zimmer and many more…

The design of this trendy area is once again unusual this time: trees rising up to the skies like jungle giants along with low-hanging vines, ferns and twines tangled in the thick undergrowth. Sounds of twittering, chirping and flapping of wings can be heard all around you. Apes swing from tree to tree. Wild jungle creatures wait for explorers and take visitors into a jungle world of adventure.

Exhibition stands come in jungle green or create accents in a zebra look. They are made of untreated wood and come decorated with corrugated sheets and camouflage netting. The Plaza, the centre point of the young cult area, also has lots in store for visitors to discover. A cascading waterfall for one, along with loungers and hammocks inviting them to relax and chill out. In addition, DJs spin tunes from the treehouse decks while daily performances by African acrobats “Wa Bantu” put everyone in a good mood. At the Coco Bar visitors and exhibitors can take a break, revive themselves with chilled drinks and snacks or read the “Jungle Times”. The Design Attack exhibition newspaper will this time inform visitors on exhibitors, highlights and events in the cult area such as the presentation of the Design Attack Award 2010 (Sunday, 12 September 2010, 12.00 noon) to especially creative students of fashion. Winners will receive stand sponsorship for the next event in March 2011.

In response to the many requests from exhibitors this time there will be a Gettogether right at the exhibition centre itself. Under the heading Chill & Grill the open area between Halls 2 and 3 will become a jungle camp. Exhibitors and visitors can look forward to a barbecue and musical entertainment here (Saturday, 11 September 2010, 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm).

Presented in Hall 3 are not just young, independent Design Attack labels. Right next to the trendy area in the Urban fresh, Urban active and Urban authentic areas visitors will also find collections from already established, strong-selling young fashion labels, denim brands and sportswear brands. Those already registered include Buffalo, Camel, Chiemsee, Clarks, Foxtrot, Kangaroos, MBT, MEXX, S.Oliver, Skechers, TBS, Tom Tailor and Vagabond (urban fresh), Fit for Fun, LOWA, Kamik, Salomon (urban active) and Art, Bufflox, Ca’Shott Copenhagen, Converse, Cubanas, Dr.Martens, El Naturalista, Feud London, Fly London Footwear, Iron Fist, J Shoes, Pepe Jeans Footwear, Replay, Tiggers, Wrangler and Zoo Shoe Concept (urban authentic).

The forthcoming GDS – International Event for Shoes & Accessories and GLOBAL SHOES – leading trade show for sourcing will be held at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre from 10 to 12 September 2010. A total of 1,190 exhibitors from 41 countries (correct as of: 23/08/2010) will be presenting the latest shoe and bag styles.

Some 1,800 collections for Spring/Summer 2011 and trends for the current season will be featured at GDS.

(6.9.2010, Jana Fuhrmannová)